CONFESS DON'T BURY 5/13/2020 1:00:00 AM by: MARTIN WILES

Our small Chihuahua-terrier mix is a house dog, but she still wants to do what an outside dog does when given a bone. We occasionally buy her bones she can chew on for a while—bones that will clean her teeth. After giving her the bone, she stands in the middle of the floor and whines. Without me asking, I know what she is saying: “Let me outside so I can bury my bone. Don’t you know that’s what dogs do?”

When I don’t acknowledge her request, she resorts to other measures. She hides the bone inside. Perhaps between the couch cushions or under the blankets in her kennel. Maybe behind a piece of furniture. A place she knows, but I don’t. Days later, she may suddenly appear with the bone in her mouth. They last a long time—but only because she hides them.

Burying is also typical human behavior. God’s people in the Old Testament did it. I’ve done it. And many other people have too. We don’t generally air our dirty laundry, especially if it’s something that happened long ago or something that might keep us from getting a job, getting a promotion, entering a relationship, or…getting closer to God.

The trouble with burying sin—in whatever form we try—is that it messes up life. If I bury unforgiveness, anger, selfishness, guilt, or sexual immorality, they have a way of uncovering themselves in ugly psychological, social, or emotional episodes. Not only do they mess up my life, but they also mess up my relationship with others—especially with God.

Confession means to have the same mind. So whatever God thinks about sin or my decisions, I should think the same thing. When I confess, I recognize my need for help—and from Someone who has the power to give it. I’m not perfect. I need a Savior. Everyone does.

And when I confess daily, it keeps the lines of communication open between me and God, which is important for healthy living. Confession keeps things above board while burying keeps them…well…buried.

Don’t take on animal behavior by burying what needs to come out in the open. God knows anyway. Let Him know you know by daily confessing your sins and failures to Him.

ABOUT MARTIN WILES

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, minister, and author who serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions and as a proof-editor for Courier Publishing. He is the author of six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Busy World, released in December 2019.

A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Noisy World was birthed from Martin Wiles ' numerous treks with his two children and his middle brother in mountainous areas on the eastern coast of the United States. Through these hiking and camping experiences, God taught him valuable lessons that have seen him through many difficult life experiences.

Martin's weekly devotionals found in A Whisper in the Woods take the reader out of the noise that often accompanies living in this world and into the quiet escapades of wooded areas where the voice of God is more clearly heard.

As you walk with Martin through the mountain valleys and over the high summits, you too will hear God whisper words of comfort to you.